John Francis Lavern

John Francis LaVern passed away peacefully on August 23, 2018 after a long illness.  He was born in Georgetown, Texas to Monroe Nathan LaVern and Hazel Martin LaVern who preceded him in death.  He was 73.

John was a graduate of Landry Memorial High School, Class of 1963.  He received his B.A. degree from McNeese State University, where he served as Student Body President and was active in many clubs, organizations and debate.  He was a charter member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. John earned a Juris Doctorate from the Paul M. Hebert School of Law at LSU in 1970.

After law school, John returned to Lake Charles where he worked for the 14th Judicial District Court, McHale, Bufkin and Dees law firm and in private practice.  The highlight of his career was being appointed as the first Chief Public Defender of the Calcasieu Parish Public Defenders Office, serving in this role from 1986 to 1999.  He returned to private practice until his retirement in 2010.

John was a member of several professional organizations, including the Louisiana Appellate Project Board, Louisiana State Bar Association, Southwest Louisiana State Bar Association and Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, where he served a term as its president.

John enjoyed gardening, cooking, fishing, writing, reading and politics.  Most football weekends you could find him cheering on the LSU Tigers and McNeese Cowboys.  He especially looked forward to his weekly poker game.

John is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Robbie Ware LaVern; son David Lee LaVern and wife, Kim; granddaughters Caroline Grace LaVern, Ann Elise LaVern and Catherine Camille LaVern; sister, Geneva Louise LaVern; sister-in-law Patricia Ware Leiber and husband, Marshall; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to the doctors and nurses at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Christus Lake Area Hospital, Heart of Hospice and Dr. Carl Nabours for their care and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to any of the following:  M.D. Anderson Cancer Center - Colorectal Center, P.O. 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486;  McNeese State University Foundation, Burton Business Center Rm 439, Lake Charles, Louisiana 70609; or a charity of one’s choice.